5 Ways to Navigate Holiday Parties With Eating Restrictions

While holiday parties can be a chance to see friends, family and work colleagues in a relaxed setting, they can also be difficult and frustrating if you are living with diet limitations like low-carb, gluten-free or meat-free. Here are five ways to survive holiday gatherings if you have diet restrictions.

1. Talk to the host or party coordinator in advance

For almost 10 years my son had an extremely limited diet. I often struggled with whether or not I should tell the party planner in advance. I found it worked out better when I called ahead. I always started the conversation by telling the host how excited we were to attend. I was often surprised at how familiar the host was with different diet restrictions and often plans were already in place for a variety of menu options.

2. Offer to bring something yummy

If you bring a dish to the party that you will be able to eat, you will be secure in knowing there will be at least one food that you will enjoy. Most likely there will be others at the gathering with food restrictions as well, so be sure to bring a simple stand-up menu card that lists the ingredients of your dish.

4. Stay Positive

Holiday food can be full of tradition with little attention paid to guests who may not be able to eat baked ham or dinner rolls or drink egg nog. Instead of pointing out to the host that you cannot eat anything being served, focus instead on the work that went into gathering everyone together.

5. Remember the reason for the party

While we often concentrate on what will be served or worn at a holiday occasion, the real reason that people get together during the holidays is to spend time together. Holiday parties allow us to be in a different setting outside of the usual routine and know each other in a different way. Getting together also lets us celebrate our relationships and mark the closing of another year.

Dr. Davenport is the founder of Tracyshealthyliving.com Using the latest scientific research, she helps people live their healthiest lives via one-on-one coaching, corporate talks, and sharing the more than 1,000 health-related articles she's authored. Find her on social media @drinksmoothies.